airbag BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE 2011 E88 Owner's Manual

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: microphone for voice activation
system
* and for telephone in hands-free
mode
*
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
2SOS: initiating an Emergency Request
call
*219
3Reading lamps
*95
4Coupe: glass roof, electric
*36
5Interior lamps95
6Passenger airbag status lamp89
7Control Display16
8Dynamic Traction Control DTC81
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system30
11Automatic climate control
12CD/DVD drive
*140
13Selecting AM or FM waveband14Changing the audio and entertainment
sources
15Changing
>Radio station143
>Track151
17Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved in four
directions
18Buttons on the controller17
Selecting menus directly
19Programmable memory keys20
20Switching entertainment audio sources on/
off and adjusting volume140
21Ejecting a CD/DVD
*151 Air distribution to the
windshield97
Air distribution to the upper body
area97
Air distribution to the footwell97
Automatic air distribution
and flow rate97
Cooling function98
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC and recirculated-air mode98
Maximum cooling97
ALL program98
Air volume98
Defrosting windows98
Rear window defroster98
Heated seats
*48
16Convertible: open convertible
top38
Convertible: close convertible
top38

Controls
43Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In con-
junction with the safety belts, the head
restraints and the airbags, the seated position
has a major influence on your safety in the event
of an accident. To ensure that the safety sys-
tems operate with optimal efficiency, we
strongly urge you to observe the instructions
contained in the following section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page52.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered
off.
No one and nothing should come between the
airbags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Make
sure that the front passenger is sitting correctly,
i.e. not resting feet or legs on the dashboard;
otherwise, leg injuries can occur if the front air-
bag deploys.
Make sure that passengers keep their heads
away from the side airbag and do not lean
against the cover of the head airbag; otherwise,
serious injuries can result if the airbag
deploys.<
Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be
fully excluded, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensi-
tive individuals. This effect is usually only tem-
porary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page88.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page46.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Your vehicle has four seats, each of which is
equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits
low across the hips and does not press against
the abdomen.
The safety belt must not rest against the throat,
run across sharp edges, pass over hard or frag-
ile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt
so that it sits as snugly as possible against the
lap and shoulder without being twisted. Other-
wise, the belt could slide over your hips and
injure your abdomen in the event of a frontal
collision. Avoid wearing bulky clothing and reg-
ularly pull the belt in the upper-body area taut;
otherwise, its restraining effect could be
impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page49.

Controls
49Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Selecting automatic call-up
1."Settings"
2."Door locks"
3."Last seat position auto."
The function for automatically calling up
the last seat position is switched on and is
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Switching off automatic call-up
Deactivate "Last seat position automatic".
Safety belts
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page43 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Closing
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, refer to page44.
Opening
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt into its reel.
"Fasten safety belts" reminder for front
seats
The indicator lamps light up and an
acoustic signal sounds. In addition, a
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. Check whether the safety belt
has been fastened correctly.
The "Fa sten safety belts " reminder is iss ued a s
long as the driver's safety belt has not been fas-
tened. The "Fasten safety belts" reminder is
also issued above approx. 5 mph/8 km/h if the
front passenger safety belt has not been fas-
tened, if there are objects on the front passen-
ger seat or if the driver or front passenger
unfasten their safety belts.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stressed in an accident: have the belt sys-
tem, including any belt tensioners or child
restraint systems, replaced and the belt
anchors checked. Have this work done only by
your BMW center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Otherwise, it is
not guaranteed that the safety devices will func-
tion properly.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The front passenger's mirror is more con-
vex than the driver's mirror. The objects
seen in the mirror are closer than they appear.
Do not gauge your distance from traffic behind
you on the basis of what you see in the mirror;
otherwise, there is an increased risk of an acci-
dent.<

Transporting children safely
52
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening
the doors, for example.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seat.
Children under the age of 13 or smaller
than 5 ft/150 cm may be transported only
in the rear in suitable child restraint systems
appropriate for their age, weight and size. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no
longer is any child restraint system that is
appropriate for their age, size and weight.
Children in the front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger must be deactivated. Otherwise, a child
traveling on that seat will face a significant risk
of injury if the airbags are triggered off, even
with a child restraint system.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags refer to page88.
Installing child restraint
systems
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child restraint systems.
Otherwise, the protective effect may be dimin-
ished. to be secured with a lap belt or with the lap-belt
section of a lap-and-shoulder belt. Incorrectly
or improperly installed child restraint systems
can increase the risk of injury to children.
Always follow the installation instructions for
the system with the greatest care.
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that
the front and side airbags for the front passen-
ger are deactivated; otherwise, there is an
increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint system, move
the front passenger seat as far back and up as
possible to obtain the best possible position for
the belt. Do not change the seat position after
this.
Backrest width*
The backrest width of the front passenger
seat must be at its widest possible set-
ting. Do not change the setting after installing
the child seat. Otherwise, the child seat's stabil-
ity on the front passenger seat is limited.<
1.Adjust the backrest width to its widest set-
ting, refer to page45.
2.Install the child seat.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
88
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: head airbags
3Side airbags in the seat backrests
4Convertible: knee airbags
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page43 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and window on the front
passenger side clear, i.e., do not cover with
adhesive labels or coverings, and do not attach
holders such as for navigation instruments and
mobile phones.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the
system or its wiring in any way. This includes
the upholstered covers on the steering wheel,
instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well
as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and that has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.<

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page52.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is
not ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a specially designated child restraint sys-
tem is detected, as intended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.Most child seats are detected by the
system, especially child seats
required by the NHTSA at the time of vehi-
cle production. After mounting a child seat,
ensure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbag is lit. It indicates that the
child seat has been detected and that the
front passenger airbags are deactivated.<
>The indicator lamp does not come on when,
for example, a person of sufficient size and
in a correct sitting position is detected on
the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page55, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
>Warning lamp remains permanently on.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.<

Technology for driving comfort and safety
90
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is activated
automatically in the event of an accident, a crit-
ical driving situation, an extreme tilt in the car's
longitudinal axis or upon loss of ground contact.
The protection bars behind the rear head
restraints deploy within fractions of a second.
As a supplementary system to the reinforced
windshield frame, the rollover protection sys-
tem ensures that the necessary headroom is
maintained for all vehicle occupants.
Always keep the area of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In minor accidents, you are protected by the
fastened safety belt and, depending on acci-
dent severity, by the safety belt tensioner and
multi-phase airbag retention system.<
Resetting
If the rollover protection system was not
impacted after being automatically activated, it
can be reset by lowering the protection bars to
their original positions. This does not require
tools.
1.Push the locking lever to one side and hold
it there.
2.Push the protection bar halfway down from
above.
3.Release the locking lever.4.Push the protection bar down until it snaps
into place.
5.Repeat the procedure for the other protec-
tion bar.
Have the rollover protection system checked
after an unexpected activation.
Never move the convertible top when the
rollover protection system is in the acti-
vated position.
Do not make any modifications to the individual
components of the rollover protection system
or its cabling.
Work on the rollover protection system should
only be performed by a BMW center.
Incorrectly performed work on the system may
lead to system failure or incorrect operation.
To check the system and ensure flawless long-
term operation, always observe the service
intervals, refer to page72.<

Everything from A to Z
238
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System81
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control64
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request219
Activated-charcoal filter99
Activating
BMW Assist186,188
Active steering86
Adaptive light control92
Additives
– coolant205
– engine oil205
Address, entering121,127
Address for navigation
– entering121
Adjusting temperature97
Airbags88
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp89
Air conditioner96
Air distribution
– automatic97
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents96
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure194
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Air vents96
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications193Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection160
ALL program98
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires201
AM, waveband143
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Antenna for mobile phone170
Antifreeze
– coolant205
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system
32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights229
Approved engine oils205
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights229
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest105
Arrival time
– computer70
Ashtray106
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC81
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control98
Audible instructions, refer to
Spoken instructions132Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control140
– volume140
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air volume97
– cruise control66
– headlamp control91
Automatic car washes209
Automatic climate control96
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant93
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps91
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC98
Automatic Service
Request188
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– selector lever lock58
– shiftlock58
– towing221
– tow-starting221
AUTO program for automatic
climate control97
AUX-IN port163
Available services188
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units72
Average speed70
Avoid highways in
navigation130
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights229

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive light
control92
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive light control92
Country codes DVD153
Courtesy lamps95
Criteria for route130
Cross-hairs in navigation126
Cruise control66
Cruising range70
Cupholders105
Curb weight, refer to
Weights229
Current fuel consumption70
Current playback
– external devices165
– of music collection160
Customer Relations187
D
Dashboard, refer to
Dashboard10
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
Data, technical226
– capacities230
– dimensions227
– engine226
– sizes227
– weights229
Data memory208
Data transfer188
Date
– setting75
– setting format76
Daytime running lights, switch
positions92
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control81
Deactivating front passenger
airbags88
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking28
Defect
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap192
– glass roof37Defogging windows98
Defrosting the windows98
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation98
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows98
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows98
Destination, entering by town/
city name121
Destination address
– entering121,127
Destination entry via BMW
Assist125
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice127
– entering via map126
– entry121
– home address124
– manual entry121
Destination guidance130
– bypassing a route
section131
– changing specified
route130
– continuing130
– starting130
– voice instructions132
– volume of voice
instructions132
Differential, breaking in112
Digital clock68,
74
Digital compass103
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio144
Dimensions227
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals64
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions132
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book123
Displacement, refer to Engine
data226
Display, refer to Control
Display16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– of coolant205
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery218
Distance, refer to
Computer70
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements72
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer70
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC80
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control26
Door lock29
Door lock, confirmation
signals28
Doors, emergency
operation30
DOT Quality Grades198
Draft-free ventilation99
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders105
Drive mode61
Drive-off assistance, refer to
DSC81
Drive-off assistant82
Driving dynamics control62
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams91
Driving notes112
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant82
Driving stability control
systems81
Driving through water114
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes112
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function98
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control81

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fog lamps94
– indicator lamp13,94
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely114
Footwell lamps95
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection161
Front airbags88
Front seat setting44
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows98
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor82
Fuel193
– gauge69
– high-quality brands193
– quality193
– specifications193
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities230
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel consumption indicator,
refer to Average fuel
consumption70
Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption70
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel filler flap192
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction192
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control101
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel193
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge69Gas station
recommendations131
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission58
– with manual transmission57
Gear display, with automatic
transmission58
Gear shifting62
Gearshift lever60
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes113
Glass roof, electric36
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– convenient operation30
– opening, closing37
– operation with Comfort
Access34
– pinch protection system37
– raising36
– remote control28
Glove compartment104
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system120
Grills, refer to Air vents96
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights229
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs214
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake57
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone for hands-free
mode14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD Radio144
Head airbags88
Headlamp control,
automatic91
Headlamp cover214
Headlamp flasher64
– indicator lamp13Headlamps
– replacing bulbs214
Head restraints46
Heated
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heated mirrors50
Heating
– mirrors50
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heating, rear window98
Heating and ventilation96
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo115
Height, refer to
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant93
High beams93
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs214
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant93
High-pressure
washer209,210
High water, refer to Driving
through water114
Highways, refer to Route
criteria130
Hills114
Holders for cups105
Hood202
Hot exhaust system113
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control81
Hydroplaning113
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio144
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning68
Identification marks
– tire coding198
Idle position61